Review: The Apprentice (Fantastic Fest 2024)

20 November, 2024 William Eguizabal 0 Comments 4 categories

Title: The Apprentice
MPA Rating: R
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova
Runtime: 2 hrs 2 mins

What It Is: Donald Trump (Stan) is a young, ambitious man eager to take over the family real estate business. When he crosses paths with high-powered and influential lawyer Roy Cohn (Strong), he learns the ruthless attitude and cutthroat personality needed to rise to the top.

What Cohn doesn’t realize is the monster he’s created. Soon, Trump’s future wife, Ivana (Bakalova), and the rest of the world will discover exactly who—and what—he has become.

What We Think: Speaking strictly from a narrative perspective—and setting aside what we now know about Trump—the script feels very underwhelming. Stan is, once again, exceptional. He masterfully embodies the transformation from a mild-mannered man to a power-hungry monster. Strong delivers a solid performance as Cohn, playing him fairly straightforward (in terms of attitude, to clarify). Meanwhile, Bakalova does her best with what she’s given, but it’s clear her character is underwritten.

Abbasi is a talented director who’s proven his ability to craft unique films, but something seems off here. Perhaps the issue lies in Gabriel Sherman’s script, which just doesn’t quite land. Whatever the case, there’s an intangible element missing that prevents the film from fully coming together.

The question of whether a film like this is necessary in today’s sociopolitical climate is another conversation entirely. A man as polarizing as Trump—reviled and beloved in equal measure—is both a tightrope walk and a powder keg. Frankly, it feels irresponsible to make a film like this at all.

That said, the film doesn’t appear to take sides. It simply presents the facts and leaves it to the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Our Grade: D+, This was a very difficult film to sit through, especially at 8 a.m. It’s a pacing nightmare. Stan’s performance is the reason to watch—and, frankly, what keeps you engaged. He isn’t electric, but that’s fitting because Trump’s personality isn’t exactly electric either.

What’s fascinating is how vehemently the Trump campaign opposed the film’s release. It doesn’t overly dwell on his flaws, but it also doesn’t shy away from portraying him as, well, an actual piece of shit.

I didn’t enjoy the film. Regardless of where your politics lie—left or right—I doubt you’ll enjoy it either. Unless, of course, you’re a die-hard Trump devotee. In that case, this might feel like The Passion of the Christ for you.

If you’re still curious, check out our JustWatch link below to rent it. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.